Chapter 6: Clash of Spitfires
The Hokage's office was filled with a heavy silence as Tsunade sat behind her desk, her hands crossed before her face and elbows resting firmly on the polished surface of the desk. The stern lines of her expression nearly made an 18-year-old Sakura squirm under her gaze, but Sakura maintained a look of defiance despite her guilt.
"Sakura," Tsunade began, her voice firm. "Tell me exactly what brought this on."
Sakura shifted uncomfortably, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "She started it, Hokage-sama," she protested, her voice tinged with frustration.
Tsunade sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I know that," she said, her voice softening. "It's not like you to pick fights with foreign dignitaries. Maybe I expected that from Naruto, but not from you."
"I'm sorry, Hokage-sama," Sakura replies, her guilt more palpable now.
"And you knew about Kurotsuchi's attitude. She can be as hard as nails, just like her grandfather. However, what I don't understand is how you easily gave in to her goading. Or whatever it was that set you off. So how about you tell me everything so that you can help me fix this?"
Sakura looked up, embarrassment coloring her face. "It was stupid," she mumbles.
"What was that?" Tsunade asks, clearly impatient now.
"She called me an ogre, Tsunade-shishou!"
"What?!" Tsunade couldn't help expressing her disbelief at what she was hearing.
"She said no one will take me seriously because I'm too manly. I'm sorry; I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. In hindsight, I should have known she was just getting a rise from me and should have reacted differently."
"Okay. Back up. How did you even get to the point of discussing your feminine attributes in that way? I only assigned you to show her to her accommodations, not even an hour upon her arrival."
"I'm sorry."
"Ino, you were there, right?" the Hokage asks, finally addressing the third person in the room.
"Hai, Tsunade-sama," the Yamanaka answers.
"Well?"
"It was just as Sakura said. The Iwa dignitary did call Sakura an ogre," Ino replies without hiding her amusement.
"Thanks, pig." Sakura shoots her friend a mean glare.
Tsunade held up a hand, cutting her off yet another unfolding female squabble.
"Alright. Looks like I'm not getting anything from either of you. But Sakura," she said, her tone gentle yet firm. "You know, as someone who goes on these diplomatic visits yourself, you have to rise above these petty quarrels. Especially when it involves another village. We were just starting to live in peaceful times, for crying out loud."
Sakura nodded, her shoulders sagging with the weight of Tsunade's words. "I know, Hokage-sama. I messed up," she admitted, her voice filled with regret.
Tsunade studied her for a moment, the silence stretching between them. She had hoped that Sakura and Kurotsuchi would become friends, finding common ground in their strength and determination. They were both strong-willed, fiercely loyal to their beliefs, and deeply cared about their comrades. Unfortunately, she did not weigh in that both women were quite a spitfire, and their tempers would get the better of them.
"Straighten up. You are to march down the hospital and apologize to Kurotsuchi."
"Shishou—"
"I'm afraid that's all you can do to make this right. I'll handle the Tsuchikage. You are dismissed. Yamanaka, you stay. I think we have other matters to discuss about your other assignment."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," both kunoichi reply.
The air hung with a tense silence as Sakura rapped lightly on the door of the Konoha Hospital room where Kurotsuchi was recuperating.
"Don't come in," Kurotsuchi's voice sang through the door with false friendliness.
"It's me," Sakura replied, undeterred.
"I know. Like I said, don't come in," came the Iwa nin's stubborn reply.
"I'm going in anyway." Sakura pushed the door open gently, entering the room where the Iwa diplomat rested.
Kurotsuchi did not look amused by Sakura's presence.
"Look, I'm sorry I went at you back there because you were insufferable," Sakura began, not even hiding her passive-aggressive tone.
"Yeah. Whatever. Apology not accepted. You may go," Kurotsuchi dismissed.
"Hey, I'm trying here."
"Sure, you are," came Kurotsuchi's sarcastic retort.
"How are you feeling?" Sakura asked, attempting to ease the tension.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Kurotsuchi replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Sakura frowned. "Like a bull with pink hair ran me over," the Iwa nin scoffed, a slight smirk breaking through.
"Seriously, lighten up. I'm the one who's injured here. Why do you look like you're the one who's been hit until next month?"
"I'm sorry," Sakura said, genuine this time.
"Hm."
A stretch of awkward silence hung between them until Kurotsuchi broke it.
"That's probably the best spar I've had in a while. Not the ideal time and place, I'm sure. And I'm still unhappy that you handed me my ass like that, while you're here looking all… you," she scoffs.
"Sorry, I got a bit carried away, I guess," Sakura awkwardly laughs.
"Sure," the other girl looks at her, disbelieving. "Hey, if you had just said he was off-limits, I wouldn't have said those things. I wouldn't have gone there if you just claimed him from the start."
"We're not— he's not—" Sakura stumbled over her words.
"Save it. Loverboy just came by while you were probably getting an earful from your Hokage. He said something along the lines of he didn't appreciate me fighting his woman like that."
"I'm not his—"
"Quit denying it already! I'm a stranger, yet I can see the attraction there. I only saw you two talk for like two sentences in passing."
The memory of Neji's unexpected appearance flashed through Sakura's mind. She and Ino had been escorting Kurotsuchi to her quarters when they ran into Neji, fresh from his mission. Kurotsuchi had immediately noticed Sakura's brightened expression at the sight of him. More pleasantries were exchanged before Neji excused himself to report to the Hokage tower.
"Now, that was a fine specimen of a Konoha shinobi I wouldn't mind getting to know during my stay," Kurotsuchi had commented casually.
"He is, isn't he? He's not available, unfortunately," Ino interjected, elbowing Sakura playfully.
Sakura had tried to hide her discomfort at the way they were discussing Neji as if he were some object.
Kurotsuchi had then looked Sakura up and down, openly assessing her. "Someone as beautiful as that would want to be with someone a bit on the manly side? The man's prettier than you."
The memory of the insults and teasing came rushing back. Kurotsuchi had pushed too far, but the ogre comment wasn't even what really set Sakura off. The Iwa nin hinted at an arranged marriage between her and the Hyuuga clan to strengthen diplomatic ties, all while needling Sakura relentlessly.
Soon enough, they found themselves in a fierce spar at the training grounds, catching the attention of other Konoha shinobi, including Neji, who had thought there was an attack on the village.
Back to the present, the room was now filled with an awkward silence as Sakura and Kurotsuchi stared at each other. It was probably only dawning on Sakura that she had fought someone over a boy. It was ridiculous to her, but if she were honest, she'd say she didn't regret hurting the other kunoichi for even hinting at claiming Neji for herself. She just saw red beyond that point. She really didn't want to picture Neji, someone whom she considers one of her special people, living far away, let alone in a loveless marriage with someone who just deemed him fancy in passing. He deserved more than that. Her overprotectiveness just took over. She really didn't want to entertain the idea anymore.
"You're thinking about him, aren't you?" the Iwa nin was once again the one to break the silence. "You're so obvious. You like the guy, I get it. He, for reasons unknown, obviously has the hots for you too; otherwise, he wouldn't have gone out of his way to rebuke a foreign diplomat for hurting his girl. The nerve! But why aren't you together like you so adamantly claim?"
"I don't think that's any of your business," Sakura snottily replied.
"When I'm the one who's lying in a hospital bed because of you and will probably be needing crutches for the rest of my damn stay in your village, you bet you made it my business!"
Sakura didn't actually know how to answer her question. Why aren't they together indeed? She was pretty sure the attraction was one-sided. Neji didn't see her like that. She did not see Neji see her like that. To her, he has been a constant presence like Naruto, Kakashi, and Sai, except that Neji gives her the butterflies, while he, on the other hand, never hinted once that he liked her, like, romantically. What was she not seeing?
"Here's a tip. Okay, you don't have to take it. I'm just a stranger, after all," Kurotsuchi shrugs."
"Claim your man before anyone else tries something again because this is ridiculous. You already went apeshit crazy like this when you two, as you declare, are nothing to each other. Then again, I'll be very afraid for any unwitting bimbo who tries to come between you if you two ever become an item. You're crazy!"
"Gee, I really appreciate that entirely unhelpful advice. I would have marched down to his place a long time ago to, as you so eloquently put it, 'claim him,' but I'm afraid he just doesn't see me like that."
Kurotsuchi looks at the other kunoichi like she's the dullest kunai she's ever had the displeasure of seeing in her life. Is this woman for real?
"Okay, if you're sure, then he's free game, right?"
"What do you mean, Kurotsuchi-san?" Annoyance once again resurfaces in Sakura's face.
"Unbelievable. We are going in circles." Kurotsuchi doesn't try to hide her frustration. "Okay, if I can't take him out to dinner, can I take you instead?"
"What?"
"How about you and me go out then? Forget what I said earlier. You're not an ogre. You're actually hot! You don't exactly have my preferred coloring, but you being ridiculously athletic is actually pretty attractive."
Sakura just stares at the other woman, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Are you saying…?"
"Meh, honestly, I can go both ways. So what do you say?"
"This isn't some ploy to get him to join or anything?"
"Honestly, I wasn't thinking about that. But now that you mention it, the three of us will be so hot together!"
"What the hell? You are way worse than Ino!" the pink-haired medic, with equally pink face, says incredulously. Soon enough laughter fills the room, both kunoichi realizing the absurdity of their situation.
Well, that conversation took an interesting turn. But Tsunade will be pleased to know that her apprentice just prevented a potential war between their nations. What relationship develops between the hot-headed kunoichi remains to be seen, however.
"Hey there, Forehead! Guess who made a special delivery request just for you?" Ino's sing-song voice brightened Sakura's hospital room. It was midday, and the father-son Hyuuga duo had just returned to the compound. Neji needed to catch up on work while Shiro spent time with his grandfather.
"Guess again, not from your husband, that's for sure. Flowers and plants grown by his own hand? That's more his style. Such a proud guy." Ino grinned, revealing the bouquet. "These are from Kurotsuchi!"
"Looks like she's still feeling guilty about everything she put you through. And rightfully so! When I see her next, Tsuchikage or not, she's getting an earful. Did she even know?"
"Don't bother answering that. And don't take the blame for her actions. Why did she specifically ask for you? Shizune-san or any of your apprentices could have done it!" Ino continued her playful rant.
"She really knows how to make me so mad. Good thing these flowers are so lovely." She admired the blooms, a mix of pink chrysanthemums symbolizing friendship and peonies for wishing a speedy recovery.
"But don't worry, Forehead, I'm not mad at you. Never at you. I know how stubborn you can be, and certainly no one can tell you what to do." Ino chuckled. "Besides, without you, the shinobi team sent by Kakashi would have been in serious trouble. And you basically solved Iwa's problem by yourself."
"Showoff," Ino teased, looking at her friend affectionately. "Why do you have to be such a hero and an overachiever? Oh, wipe that smile off your face!"
"For someone who's been in a coma for weeks, you're looking way too cheerful. What are you dreaming about?" Ino's expression turned somber as she looked at Sakura. She had suggested before to get inside Sakura's mind, but Tsunade wasn't keen on the idea, if Ino's previous attempts when Sakura was conscious were anything to go by. Any mind transfer attempt could potentially do more harm than good. So, they have to trust Sakura in finding her way back herself.
"This isn't fun anymore, Forehead. You need to come back soon. You're missing out on so much! Just the other day, I saw Lee in something that wasn't green—it was red! I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. And Tenten's getting married! I heard about their engagement this morning. No date yet, but finally! I never thought it'd happen, especially with Tenten's 'anti-marriage' stance. Maybe Gaara put his foot down, or maybe the Suna council did. But Tenten and Gaara? Who saw that coming? Five years ago, I would've laughed if someone said they'd be a thing. Their pairing is just as unexpected as yours and Neji's!"
"Hinata's getting bigger by the day and developing quite the temper, too! Must be your influence. Or maybe she's finally realizing that her husband is a knucklehead," Ino chuckled.
"Inojin's turned into a climbing whirlwind, giving Sai all the workout he needs. The 'terrible twos' are no joke! And you know what? I'm really happy. Just like you said I would be."
Ino paused, looking at the vase on the bedside table. With a gentle smile, she proceeded to carefully arrange the flowers, replacing another bouquet she had brought days before.
"But you know what would make me even happier? If you were here. So come back to us, okay?"
A/N: I don't own Naruto.
So, the pairing in this AU story:
Neji x Sakura
Naruto x Hinata
Sai x Ino
Gaara x Tenten (this will be told somehow lol)
Sasuke x ? (likely OC, I really don't see him pairing up with any of the female Konoha 11)
Shikamaru x Temari
Choji x Karui
Their kids' ages are all over the place. Sorry, that's just how it is lol